PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md.-U.S. Navy officials are carrying out a plan to upgrade the mission systems computer (MSC) for the U.S. Marine Corps Boeing AV-8B Harrier II attack jet with industry-standard interfaces that meet the guidelines of the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE).

Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., are awarding a sole-source contract to MSC designer General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems in Minneapolis to provide the MSC with a FACE interface structure running on top of the system's existing Wind River Systems VxWorks 5.5-based core systems software.

Navy avionics experts are ordering the FACE software upgrades to the Harrier's mission computer to enable the AV-8B's avionics to implement the required area navigation (RNP) and required navigation performance (RNAV) application.

The U.S. fleet of AV-8B Harrier jump jets will get an avionics computer upgrade following guidelines of the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE).

The delivery order will call for General Dynamics to deliver a second Open System Processor 3 (OSP3) into the AV-8B mission computer, and provide it with FACE-based software for the RNP/RNAV application.

The AV-8B Harrier II is a second-generation vertical- and short-takeoff and landing (V/STOL) ground-attack aircraft used primarily for light attack or multi-role missions. It can operate from aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and simple forward-operating bases.

In addition to the Marine Corps, the AV-8B files with the Italian and Spanish navies. The Marines operate the AV-8B with seven attack squadrons, which use the jump jet for close air support, air interdiction, surveillance, and helicopter escort.

Eventually, the Marines will replace their AV-8B aircraft with vertical- and short-takeoff and landing versions of the Lockheed Martin F-35 joint strike fighter.

The AV-8B's advanced mission computer is a VME-based processing system based on the Freescale Power-PC open systems processor architecture. The mission computer can control displays, digital maps, network processors, and servers.

The FACE technical standard, administered by the FACE industry consortium, provides guidelines for creating a common operating environment to support applications across U.S. military avionics systems. The standard helps enable developers to create and deploy applications across many military aviation systems through a common operating environment.

Developed in collaboration with 39 consortium member organizations, including Lockheed Martin, Naval Air Systems Command, Rockwell Collins, and U.S. Army PEO Aviation, the FACE Technical Standard promotes industry-government collaboration in a trusted environment, using proven processes and governance by The Open Group.

The standard introduces interoperability into an environment that traditionally has relied on the use of tightly coupled individual systems, each with unique interfaces. General Dynamics is part of the FACE Consortium.

The Navy is awarding General Dynamics a sole-source contract because the company is the developer and manufacturer of the AV-8B's advanced mission computer and mission systems computer, and is the only company with the knowledge necessary to fill the contract in a timely manner, Navy officials say.